2-Day Mikumi Safari from Dar es Salaam: Game Drive & Park Stay

Two game drives through Mikumi's Mkata Floodplain, lions to elephants, one night in the park

A 2-day safari from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park in southern Tanzania, with two full game drives, overnight accommodation at Bastain Camp on full board, and private transport throughout. The park sits at the northern edge of Africa's largest game reserve and hosts lions, elephants, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, hippos, giraffes and numerous bird species. Pickup from your Dar es Salaam hotel starts at 5am on day one. The return arrives back in the city on day two after lunch.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Mikumi and game drive

• Pick up from hotel at 5:00AM
• Drive to Mikumi National Park
• Game drive until sunset
• Dinner and overnight at Bastian Camp

Day 2: Morning game drive and return

• Breakfast at camp
• Morning game drive in Mikumi
• Lunch in Mikumi
• Afternoon game drive
• Drive back to Dar es Salaam

The experience

The drive from Dar es Salaam crosses the Uluguru Mountains and reaches Mikumi by mid-morning, leaving the afternoon free for your first game drive until sunset. The park's open horizons and abundant wildlife across the Mkata Floodplain draw frequent comparisons to the Serengeti, though Mikumi remains far less crowded. Dinner and overnight accommodation are at Bastain Camp on a full board arrangement.

Day two starts after breakfast with another game drive through the park, where the landscape and wildlife remain consistent: eland, hartebeest, buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe, zebra and elephants are commonly sighted. Lunch takes place in the park, followed by a final game drive before the return drive to Dar es Salaam in the evening. The route between Dar and Iringa is surfaced, making the journey manageable despite the distance.

Your guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and one additional language. Private transportation is included throughout, along with all meals, accommodation, game drive fees and taxes. The early 5am pickup means an early start on day one, but it positions you in the park during prime wildlife viewing hours.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your Dar es Salaam hotel.
• two full game drives in Mikumi National Park.
• one night accommodation at Bastain Camp.
• lunch and dinner on day one, breakfast and lunch on day two.
• all park fees and taxes.
• live guide in English, Spanish, Italian, French or one additional language.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Audio guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Usambara Trails Expedition Ltd

Is this one for you?The 5am pickup on day one means an early start, but it's what gets you into the park during peak wildlife viewing hours and keeps both game drives within daylight. Two days is enough to experience the Mkata Floodplain and return to Dar es Salaam without a longer commitment.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 3): free.

What animals will I actually see on the game drives in Mikumi?

Mikumi hosts lions, elephants, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, hippos, giraffes, eland, hartebeest and a variety of bird species and reptiles. The Mkata Floodplain is the park's central draw and the most reliable area for sightings, though wildlife presence varies by season and time of day.

How early does the pickup happen on day one?

Hotel pickup in Dar es Salaam starts at 5am on day one, allowing the drive to Mikumi and arrival by mid-morning so you can begin your first game drive in the afternoon.

Where do I sleep, and what meals are included?

You stay one night at Bastain Camp on a full board arrangement. Day one includes lunch and dinner. Day two includes breakfast and lunch. All meals are part of the package.

Is this tour private or shared with other travelers?

The tour runs on both daily and private departure schedules, so you can book a shared departure or arrange a private one at checkout.

How does Mikumi compare to the Serengeti?

Mikumi sits at the northern border of the Selous, Africa's largest game reserve, and the Mkata Floodplain landscape draws comparisons to the Serengeti Plains. Mikumi is more accessible from Dar es Salaam and typically sees fewer visitors, though wildlife variety and abundance are similar.